Video Game Dictionary: What does Boosting mean in gaming?

What does "Boosting" mean in gaming?

IPA

/ˈbuːstɪŋ/

Definition

Boosting is a term that originated in online, multiplayer titles, particularly those with a ranked mode.

When a new player, or a low-ranked one, begins playing the game they may ask a more experienced player to assist them, or even to play on the new account. This “boost” of skill is where the term “boosting” comes from.

By “boosting”, the new player is able to rank up their account more quickly than usual, owing to the established skills of the experienced player.

While perhaps originally only referring to users on new accounts, it has grown to be used for the multiple ways an experienced player can help a new player level up quickly. The original meaning has links to “Smurfing” where an experienced player intentionally plays on a new account of their own.

In 2018, boosting was even made a criminal offence in Korea due to the popularity of esports titles.

Due to “boosting” also being a term generally, it’s unknown when it was first used in this way for online gaming.

Example Usage

“Did you hear about his account? He got banned for boosting; he had his older brother play it”

“It’s so hard to get rewards in this game, it’s why people end up boosting their accounts”